Kathmandu, April 19

Police intervened in a protest rally organised by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and arrested 14 of its leaders and cadres today.

Riot police swung into action after demonstrators burnt posters and banners reading ‘secularism’ at a programme organised in Shanti Batika at around 3:30pm. RPP spokesperson told THT that police used force to clamp down on peaceful demonstration and arrested 14 persons. However, the supporters prevented RPP Chair Kamal Thapa from being arrested.

Metropolitan Police Office said RPP leaders and cadres were released in the evening. Apart from a brief clash between cops and demonstrators, no untoward incident was reported.

Prior to the police intervention, RPP Chair Thapa had addressed the rally and alleged that Nepal was declared a secular state under pressure and influence of foreigners. He claimed that Hinduism was the identity of the country.

The demonstration was part of RPP’s series of nationwide protests demanding implementation of its 22-point charter of demands that calls for restoration of Hindu state and constitutional monarchy. Thapa had submitted a memorandum to this effect to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in February-end.